I hired a lawyer almost three years ago trying to get Brian's death to be classified as service-connected. I spent weeks gathering his medical records from the Marine Corps and from the various hospitals and doctors he saw during the course of his cancer treatments. I filled out millions of forms and fielded hundreds of phone calls. I replied to thousands of emails from the lawyer and other veteran-related agencies. I answered questions. I asked questions.
I questioned the questions.
Two weeks ago, I was at work when my cell phone rang. I couldn't answer it, so it went to voicemail. My first thought was...what more can they possibly want from me? I kept working. It's another message wanting something else from me. Whatever. It can wait.
Nope. I couldn't wait anymore. I listened to the message. The lawyer's assistant, Nichole, said she needed me to call her back as soon as possible. We had won his case and we needed to go over the details and she needed my checking account information and she needed to verify this and that.....
Wait. What?
We. Won. His. Case.
The VA has awarded him service-connected death. His death was caused by cancer. His cancer was service-related.
It's been almost six years since he died.
Finally they admit the truth. Finally it's been recognized. Finally his death was not in vain.
